When you’re living an active lifestyle, having a retainer is just an added obstacle. While retainers are an essential tool that help to keep your teeth in their ideal position, they can often get in the way of us enjoying our favourite drinks and snacks. So the question arises – can I drink iced coffee with my retainer in?
The general consensus from dentists is that it is okay to drink iced coffee with a retainer, as it is even safe to drink with braces. However, like all food and beverage consumption with a retainer, dental hygiene is of the utmost importance. As coffee can be quite sugary and acidic, it is recommended to brush your teeth soon after.
This is especially important when wearing a retainer, as coffee can stain your teeth, and as the retainer sits closely against the surface of your teeth, it can act as a source for staining your retainer too. So using a straw to drink your iced coffee with a retainer can be a great way to minimise staining and the potential for decay underneath the retainer.
Furthermore, it is important to be aware of the fact that hot drinks should be avoided when wearing a retainer. Heating the plastic of retainers can cause them to warp, so it’s best to allow your hot beverage to cool before drinking. Again, this is another reason why drinking iced coffee with a retainer is advisable.
It is also recommended to steer clear of sugary drinks when wearing a retainer, as the sugar can cause decay both on the surfaces of your teeth and around the retainer. So opt for the more natural choice! If you are in need of a caffeine fix, then iced coffee could be an excellent alternative choice, particularly with a straw.
In summary, if you’re wearing a retainer then drinking iced coffee is a great choice. Just ensure you brush your retainer, as well as your teeth, soon after finishing your iced coffee. Additionally, take extra care to drink your coffee of choice with a straw and, if it’s hot – allow it to cool before drinking.
The Benefits of Using a Retainer
Using a retainer is a great way to ensure you achieve your desired look and keep your alignment true. Not only can retainers help people get the straight smile that they’ve always wanted, but they can also help to fix overbites and crossbites.
Wearing a retainer can also have some additional benefits, which include keeping your teeth healthy and strong. As retainers can help to keep your teeth in the correct alignment, they can reduce the risk of tooth decay or infection from occurring. This is because when teeth are correctly aligned and spaced, it’s easier to clean them properly and reach all areas with a toothbrush.
Retainers can also help to reduce problems related to TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), as when teeth move, it can put additional strain on the jaw and lead to pain. Wearing a retainer can help to reduce this tension in the jaw, and therefore, help to reduce the additional pain.
For people that want to straighten their teeth without having to deal with metal braces which can be uncomfortable or embarrassing, retainers can offer them a discreet and comfortable alternative. Retainers are usually made of a clear plastic, and they are custom-fit to your mouth, so they are barely visible and comfortable to wear.
Retainer Hygiene and Maintenance
It is essential to maintain good hygiene when wearing a retainer, not just for your teeth but also for the retainer itself. This means that you should brush your retainer every single day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and some baking soda or a mild detergent. It is best to do this before you put in your retainer and when you take it out.
It’s also essential to avoid exposing the retainer to any type of extreme temperature, both hot and cold, as it can cause it to warp and break. Avoid doing this by storing the retainer in a case, and taking it out before drinking hot drinks or before going swimming.
And finally, it is important to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning. This is important for both yours and the dentist’s peace of mind, and will ensure you are keeping an eye on your teeth alignment and health.
Knowing When to Take Your Retainer Out
Knowing when to take your retainer out or pause wearing it is important to allow your teeth to move into their adjusted position. After having your braces removed, or you’ve just started wearing a retainer, you will often be advised to wear it 24 hours a day – just take it out while eating and drinking. However, once your teeth are in the adjusted position, you will be advised to have regular breaks to allow your teeth to settle in the correct place.
This can be different for everyone, so it’s important to check with your orthodontist. Generally, the advice is to take your retainer out for a period of 9-10 hours a night, and then to resume wearing it for 23 hours a day. This will give your teeth the chance to adjust and settle into the correct position, so they can stay in alignment.
It’s also important to be aware that if you have a fixed retainer, then you should not remove it yourself and have it checked by a dentist or orthodontist. Fixed retainers can last for years, but it’s important that you have them checked regularly.
What to Drink with a Retainer In
When wearing a retainer, it’s important to be aware of food and drinks that can cause damage to the retainer and to your teeth. While iced coffee is generally okay with a retainer in, sticking to water and herbal teas for the most part is advisable.
Sugar-free drinks like herbal teas and water are recommended, as the sugar found in drinks like iced coffee and sodas can cause staining and decay around the retainer. Additionally, acidic drinks should also be avoided, as they can damage the plastic of the retainer.
When you’re choosing drinks, opt for drinks that are natural, low in sugar and acidity and are non-carbonated. This way, you can keep your retainer clean and free of any stains or damage, and at the same time, keep your teeth healthy.
The Pros and Cons of Retainers
Ultimately, the decision to wear a retainer is an individual one, and there are pros and cons that must be taken into consideration. Before making a decision, it’s important to be informed about the facts, so you can make an informed decision.
On the one hand, wear a retainer can help to ensure your alignments stays true, help to keep your teeth healthy and strong and reduce the risk of tooth decay and infection. Additionally, some people may feel more comfortable in their smile when such an orthodontic device is in place.
On the other hand, wearing a retainer can be inconvenient, and it can be difficult to get into the regular routine of maintaining it. Additionally, retainer breakages can occur, and as they are made of plastic, they can warp if exposed to extreme temperatures.
Ultimately, it is important to assess the pros and cons of wearing a retainer and make an informed decision that is right for you. If you are on the fence, then speaking to your orthodontist can help to clear up any doubts and ensure you are making the right choice for you.
